About Saint John Cantius Church

Awesome is this place. it is the House of God and the Gate of Heaven!
Genesis 28, 17 — from the cornerstone of St. John Cantius Church

St. John Cantius stands as a unique parish in the Archdiocese of Chicago—helping many Catholics discover a profound sense of the Sacred. Founded by Polish immigrants at the end of the nineteenth century, the parish today represents a broad cross-section of every ethnic, socio-economic and age group. The solemn liturgies, devotions, treasures of sacred art, and rich program of sacred liturgical music have helped many Catholics discover a profound sense of the sacred, thereby permeating their lives with a renewed faith.

Of all the “Polish cathedral” style churches in Chicago, St. John Cantius stands closest to downtown. Located in the heart of Chicago, one mile directly west of the famous Water tower on Chicago Avenue, St. John Cantius Church is easily accessible by car, bus, or subway.

Designed by Adolphus Druiding and completed in 1898, St. John Cantius Church took five years to build and is one of the best examples of sacred architecture in the city. The unique baroque interior has remained intact for more than a century and is known for both its opulence and grand scale—reminiscent of the sumptuous art and architecture of 18th century Krakow. The imposing 130 ft. tower is readily seen from the nearby Kennedy Expressway. In 2012, St. John’s completed an ambitious restoration, returning the lavish interior to its original splendor.

Throughout the year, St. John Cantius offers a diverse selection of presentations and classes in Latin, Greek, church heritage, religious education, catechetics, and Catholic culture.

St. John Cantius Parish offers the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass according to the Roman Rite in both the Ordinary and Extraordinary Forms. The Ordinary Form of the Mass is offered both in Latin and in English according to the Missale Romanum, issued by Pope John Paul II in 2003. St. John Cantius Parish is also privileged to offer daily the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, commonly referred to as the Tridentine Latin Mass, according to the Missale Romanum of 1962.

Saint John Cantius Church, Chicago

NOTICE OF PHOTOGRAPHY/RECORDING

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You understand that all photography, filming and/or recording will be done in reliance on this consent given by you by entering this area. If you do not agree to the foregoing, please do not enter St. John Cantius Church.